matthew cusick: map work collages

‘blue horse’ by matthew cusick, 2011 inlaid maps on panel 20 x 30 inches all images courtesy the artist

new york-based matt cusick has made a name for himself as a fine artist due to his elaborate depictions of humans and other animals, water and landforms crafted entirely from recycled maps. to develop these collage pieces, he meticulously slices segments of antiquated cartographic works including those of old encyclopedias, textbooks, roadmaps, and atlases in order to layer small clippings into lively, familiar forms.

most of cusick’s collages is made colorful by the shades map makers choice to employ in their interpretations of the earth’s surface. it is through past cartographers representations of surface depth, shape and plant-life portrayed in these individuals use of contour lines, darkening, and a vast color palate depicting the planet’s landscapes as the range includes pigments ranging from oceans to rainforests to deserts. cusick provides his depictions with a rich, tactile quality sometimes enhancing his works with acrylic paint or home-crafted walnut ink in order to complement his map-formed figures with additional shading.

‘the rachel’s wave’, 2011 inlaid maps, acrylic on panel 30 x 42 inches

‘malvo’, 2011 maps, sighting targets, ink, dye, on panel 40 x 30 inches

‘shauna’, 2011 inlaid maps, acrylic, on panel 45 x 40 inches

‘three horses’, 2011 inlaid maps, acrylic, on panel 48 x 192 inches

detailed perspective of ‘three horses’

this alternate view of ‘three horses’ depicts the meticulous layering which make up each of cusick’s map works